Eddie Durham Jazz Festival celebrated at Texas State

Texas State University-San Marcos will host the Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in Evans Auditorium. The event is free and open to the general public.

Dan Morgenstern, world renowned jazz historian, will present a lecture on Eddie Durham's achievements and legacy during the Eddie Durham Jazz Celebration.

The 2012 celebration will also feature guest artists such as tenor saxophonist Doug Lawrence of the Count Basie Orchestra and legendary bassist and Guggenheim Fellow Rufus Reid. Texas State student musicians will also perform during the event.

Durham, a native of San Marcos, is widely credited with being a pioneer of amplified guitar--influencing fellow Texan Charlie Christian, who became one of the most important guitarists in jazz history. Durham worked with iconic swing era bands including Count Basie’s early groups.

A part of the Hill Country Jazz Festival, the event is presented by the Department of Jazz Studies in the Texas State School of Music, with support from the Center for Texas Music History in the Department of History.